Feb 20 Daily Rhythm

Morning
Psalm 78:55-57

He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies, but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers; they twisted like a deceitful bow.

Like a twisted bow. What an image. What a poetic way to describe one who is not what he or she appears. A twisted bow may look ok until you pick it up and try to use it for what it was made for. But it wont quite hit the mark. We can be that way. When we pretend more than we love. Help us Jesus.

Afternoon
Psalm 78:58-61

For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols. When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind, and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe.

God you may allow you anger to burn against your people, but when you do it is a healing anger. It is an anger that seeks to restore. To burn away the pain and shame and brokenness. God help us maintain this perspective in these days we live in. Help us to know that your anger may burn against our sin, but only because you are jealous glory our hearts.

Evening
Psalm 78:62-66

He gave his people over to the sword and vented his wrath on his heritage. Fire devoured their young men, and their young women had no marriage song. Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation. Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine. And he put his adversaries to rout; he put them to everlasting shame.

Oh God, we are NOT your adversaries. We are your people. However we recognize that sometimes we are our own worst enemy. When our enemy is ourselves, we understand you coming to our defense. To protect what is yours. Help us to feel gratitude for your protection rather than fear.